On the other hand, would the inspired Apostle Paul write to us about something that won't work? I don't think so. There has to be some common sense value in this. He speaks I about continuing to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. Better move from theory to practice.

By now most everyone had moved to consensus, including Ms. Jones or Smith. She, more than anyone else, was having her thinking revised. In fact, her heart was growing warmer to the prospect of a genuine humility that was truly magnificent.

It began to be a great feeling for her to know that there was, in fact, much beneficial power in all of this, and she could share in it. To live the Christian life at deeper levels was possible and a lot of it has to do with humbling oneself. The group traveled through serious but precious waters. Peace abided.

For all who call themselves Christians and have walked at deeper levels, we know about this magnificence. Only the Cross and the Crown working simultaneously in our souls can produce the spiritual formation that is the "pearl of great price." Our Savior and Lord not only points the way, He shows us the way. Yes, He lived, died and lived again that we have no doubts about His ongoing and eternal supremacy. To be crucified with Him is to arise with Him. (Donald C. Lacy)

Proper 22 (A)

October 13, 2002

Judgment Comes

Matthew 21:33-46

He was a young man that God was wooing into the ordained ministry. Over the months different persons just seemed to happen into his life. All of them felt a sense of mission and his calling. None betrayed the spirit of Christ by trying to force the issue.

First this one and that one brought up the idea with him. There was always kindness and an attitude of thanksgiving. But he kept refusing, and in time his heart was hardened against it so completely that those about him became worried. He was at war with God and every messenger that was sent.

It is said Jesus came to him in a dream and invited him to become a member of the clergy. As the story goes, Jesus spoke of his strong sense of morality and the fact so much was right in his life. But that wasn't enough. A place had been made for him among the ordained. Sadly -- even tragically -- his response was so negative and blunt that he no longer made a place for Jesus at all.

I. Consistent and persistent rejection is deadly (vv. 33-39)

Church history is punctuated by great men and women who sought to bring Christ to precious human beings. Some of them gave their lives. We cannot know their numbers in this life, but we may very well know in the next. They have worn various labels, as denominations go, and seem to have been treated the same. We cannot help wondering, for example, what might have happened had both Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin been obedient to early callings from the Spirit.

More pointed, what does this have to do with you and me. Frankly, I believe there is nothing by coincidence. Certain persons are placed in our paths and often for spiritual purposes. Most of us can cite experiences when the death angel came and there had been no indication of receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. We, too, can practice a kind of an approved rejection that seems harmless but over a period of time becomes deadly. May God be merciful!